Meet Ragini Tandan, the 30-year-old musical maverick who turned a catchy track about a luxury car into a cultural phenomenon. Her breakout hit ‘Lamberghini’ has been on everyone’s playlist since 2018, amassing over 500 million YouTube views and making waves across the globe. But don’t let the flashy exterior fool you—Ragini’s roots run deep. Born in Ambala, Haryana, she started her musical journey at just three, mastering the intricacies of Hindustani Classical Music before she even knew how to spell ‘melody.’
Though she took a detour through the academic halls of Kamala Nehru College in New Delhi (where she earned a B.A. Hons. in Psychology) and later King’s College London, Ragini never strayed far from her true passion: music. From singing reality shows to live performances that keep audiences on their toes, she’s kept her voice as her North Star.
But it’s not all smooth rides in luxury cars. Ragini recently made headlines for her no-holds-barred take on the struggles of independent artists in the industry. After a viral exchange with rapper Yo Yo Honey Singh—who sheepishly admitted he hadn’t realized she was the voice behind the original ‘Lamberghini:—Ragini has been shining a light on the indie-mainstream divide. And while she might have been replaced by Neha Kakkar and Jassie Gill in the Jai Mummy Di remake, her response proves she’s far from being left in the rearview mirror.
With hits like ‘Nahi Janna’ and a knack for remixing Punjabi beats, Ragini keeps adding new layers to her ever-evolving sound. Drawing inspiration from icons like Sunidhi Chauhan and Adele, she’s carving out a space that’s all her own—one soulful note at a time. In an exclusive chat with News18 Showsha, Ragini dives into the stories behind her viral moments, her thoughts on mainstream support for indie talent, and the journey that’s made her a musical force to be reckoned with.
Here are the excerpts:
Q1: This year, you’ve released four tracks—Noor, Kan Akhiyaan, Tak Tak Ke and Chaida Hi Nu Each brings a different flavor, from modern Sufi to groovy beats with R&B influences. What’s the story behind these songs, and how do you transform raw sounds into polished tracks?
Ragini Tandan: Yeah, my main focus is making good music, whatever genre it is for me. You know, I’ve trained in Hindustani classical since I was four years old. So, anything that comes to me at that time, as long as it feels right after some time, I make that. But in terms of genre, I’ve been exploring a lot—finding my audience and seeing what resonates. It’s difficult for me to pin down one genre specifically. But recently, I’ve been gravitating toward something I really enjoy—a jazzy, soft, romantic, and sometimes sad vibe. I think my future EP, which is already in progress, will reflect that direction.
Q2: Lamberghini became a massive hit and gave a modern twist to traditional Punjabi Tappa. Can you share what inspired you to blend the traditional with the urban, and how did it feel when the song went viral?
Ragini: Lamberghini has a funny backstory. It was made by the Durbin boys, written and composed by them, and I came on board as a singer. They contacted me through Instagram, and it’s funny because these are songs we sang from childhood at family weddings. My whole family loves music, so I already knew the Tappa they used. It was a treat to see it being reimagined with a modern touch. Before this, I had done another folk song in college called ‘Nai Jaana’, so I think the folk influence was always there for me. The Durbin boys heard my previous work and reached out, and I said yes to collaborating. Why would I say no? It was a great experience, even though I was new to professional recording at the time. It was just a weekend of fun with them, correcting my Punjabi lyrics because my Punjabi wasn’t perfect. But that’s how it came together.
Q3: How did you feel when Neha Kakkar and Jassie Gill were chosen for the remake of Lamborghini? Do you think the remake captured the essence of your original version?
Ragini: See, I’ll be honest with you. Which artist will be happy if their song gets picked up and then somebody else sings it? I was very, very sad. But good for not being so diplomatic here. Yeah, I mean, I think it’s human emotion, and there’s nothing to lie about here. It was upsetting initially, because I had professionally gotten into singing as my career. But I think with time, you get acquainted with these kinds of things when you’re a part of the industry, and these things happen—it’s okay. If the new version of Lamberghini had done that well, it would have been a different scenario, but it didn’t. Our version was much, much bigger, still trending. Of course, the essence was not the same; it was very, very different. But for a new artist who’s trying to make their place in the industry, if a bigger label picks up your song for a movie, it’s amazing already. There were talks like, ‘Why didn’t they take the original singer?’ But that’s just part of the process. You accept it and move on.
Q4: Yo Yo Honey Singh recently acknowledged that he didn’t know you were the original singer behind Lamberghini. How did it feel when such a prominent industry figure made this admission?
Ragini: I think it’s extremely important these days, this topic of credits or finding the artist that you actually like. It’s a really big problem because there are so many songs we love, but we don’t always know the artist behind them. The fact that Honey Singh also said that he didn’t know, I didn’t feel bad about it. I’ll be very honest with you. That’s how that funny reel came about. When I made it, I never thought it would go viral and that people would tag Honey Singh in it. But today, I feel like, okay, maybe this was a step forward, and Honey Singh is my, you know, ‘Angel’ who’s given me that push. It’s heartwarming to see audiences discover you through these moments.
Q5: It’s rare for a big artist like Honey Singh to admit such a mistake publicly. What do you think this gesture says about him as an artist and as a person?
Ragini: I think it’s very, very brave for him to actually go on social media and Instagram to say, ‘I’m really sorry, I didn’t know.’ I really appreciate the fact that he did that, and because of it, more people came to my profile. It’s not easy for an artist to do that, to admit it honestly. It just speaks volumes about him. We’ve been big fans of his since we were kids. He’s the OG, and he’s shown us that he’s a great guy through this gesture. Kudos to him.
Q6: What do you think about the relationship between indie and mainstream artists in India? Is there enough collaboration, or is there still a gap that needs to be bridged?
Ragini: There is a big gap. I’ll be very upfront about this. There’s a huge, huge gap, and indie artists are often looking for their audience on platforms like Spotify or Apple Music. We’re constantly releasing songs and hoping to get discovered. Mainstream artists have a lot more push behind them. For me, a great example of bridging this gap is Coke Studio Pakistan. They combined indie artists with bigger names, like Ali Sethi and Shae Gill in Pasoori. It would be incredible to see something like this in India—more music, more ideas, and more voices being heard. It’s something the industry should think about because we all benefit from each other.
Q7: What more changes would you like to see in the Indian music industry to support indie artists?
Ragini: Labels need to have better deals for indie artists so that they feel comfortable sharing their work. It’s about finding the right platform for your song, and as artists, our songs are like our babies. We want the best for them. It would be great if new artists were considered for Bollywood projects or picked up by composers and directors. A platform like Coke Studio India could make a huge difference. More importantly, the industry should recognize and support the potential of indie artists.
Q8: You started learning Hindustani classical music at a very young age. How has this training influenced your style in modern Punjabi pop music?
Ragini: Classical music has been a huge part of my journey. I started when I was four and continued until my college years. It’s shaped my understanding of music deeply. Even though I’ve been pushing myself into the pop space, there’s always a hint of my classical roots in my songs. Sur is very important to me. If I can’t sing a line perfectly, it bothers me. I’ve practiced all my life for this, and while autotune can fix a lot of things these days, I still prefer to nail the sur myself.
Q9: Your song Nai Jaana became popular for weddings. How do you feel about your music becoming part of such personal moments in people’s lives?
Ragini: It’s very nice. Nai Jaana is a beautiful wedding song, and its meaning resonates with so many people. It feels great to create something that connects with people during such special times. And then Lamberghini also became a wedding song, which was a complete surprise to me. I didn’t understand how it made its way into every sangeet, but I guess it’s the connection people feel that made it a part of those moments.
Q10: Social media plays a big role in today’s music industry. How do you handle the pressure of creating songs that are both viral and meaningful?
Ragini: Oh, it’s extremely difficult. Social media is all about 15-second clips, and as an artist, it’s not creatively satisfying. It’s tough when people only see a few seconds of your work and move on. But that’s the reality now. It’s especially hard for indie artists because they get judged quickly. But I’ve also seen the indie scene grow, with many artists building an audience organically. It’s inspiring to see that, and it keeps me motivated to continue creating.
Q11: You’ve mentioned that Sunidhi Chauhan is a big inspiration for you. What aspects of her artistry do you admire the most?
Ragini: She is out of this world. Sunidhi has been my favorite since I was a little girl. Everyone was singing Lataji’s songs, and I did too, but I always leaned towards Sunidhi’s tracks. Her versatility is what inspires me—whether it’s a dance number, a romantic ballad, or a ghazal, she’s fantastic in every genre. I aim to achieve that kind of versatility in my music, even though it’s challenging. Opening for her in Doha was like a dream come true for me.
Q12: You’ve admitted that while you sing in Punjabi, you’re not fluent in the language. How does this affect your singing and connection with audiences?
Ragini: Guilty as charged! I’m a Punjabi, but I grew up speaking more Urdu than Punjabi. My parents never spoke to us in Punjabi, so it’s been challenging. I have to practice a lot for Punjabi songs, especially to get the pronunciation right. But I love Punjabi music, from artists like Diljit to AP Dhillon. The challenge is that I need to understand and learn the lyrics carefully before I can deliver them authentically. For example, when I’m singing a Punjabi song, I have to practice a lot, listen to voice notes from native speakers, and really immerse myself in the accent and nuances. It’s a lot of work, but it’s worth it because I want to do justice to the language. For songs like Lamborghini, it’s about balancing that authentic Punjabi flavor with an urban twist, which is something people connect with easily.
Q13: You come from a musical family, with your mother being a classical singer and your brother also having musical talent. What was the atmosphere like growing up in such a home?
Ragini: It was incredibly musical. My mom has a background in classical music, and my dad sings as well. Music was a constant presence in our home. My parents would often wake us up with music playing loudly through the speakers in the morning—no choice but to get up and start the day! I have vivid memories of us getting ready for school while listening to everything from Lata Mangeshkar to Mohammed Rafi. It shaped my love for music deeply and made me appreciate different genres from a young age. My mom, being a teacher, made sure we learned about all the classic artists, which I think was a huge influence on me.
Q14: You studied psychology alongside your music career. Do you think your background in psychology influences the way you create or perform your music?
Ragini: Definitely. Psychology taught me a lot about how people connect with emotions, and I think that’s crucial in music. For me, lyrics and the message behind a song matter a lot. I believe that what we put out into the world through music has an impact, especially in a country like India where the audience is so vast and diverse. Music, like any other form of media, has the power to shape thoughts and behaviors. So, I try to be mindful of what I sing about. I stay away from themes like violence or misogyny, and focus on creating music that has a positive or thoughtful message. It’s about being responsible with your art.
Q15: You mentioned earlier that you’re working on an EP. Can you share some details about this new project?
Ragini: Yes! The EP is going to be very much in line with the kind of music I love—jazzy, soft, and flowing, with minimal instrumentation. It’s the kind of music you can unwind to, whether it’s late at night or during a chill session with friends. It’s a very personal project, and I’m pouring my heart into it. I’m also planning a concert next year in April, which will be all about my original songs with just a couple of instrumentalists. I’m really looking forward to sharing this side of my music with my listeners.
Q16: What’s currently on your personal playlist? Are there any songs or artists you’re obsessed with right now?
Ragini: Oh, I’m absolutely in love with the song Mann Mahiyan by Coke Studio. It’s been on repeat for me lately. I also enjoy listening to Joy Crookes, and of course, Arijit Singh’s romantic tracks always find their way into my playlist. I’m also preparing for some live shows, so I’ve been listening to a lot of Bollywood tracks to get into the groove. It’s a mix of inspiration and preparation.
Q17: You’ve performed live at various events around the world. How do you prepare for your live shows, and how do you connect with international audiences who may not understand the language of your songs?
Ragini: It’s always a unique experience performing live. Surprisingly, even when people don’t understand the language, they connect with the music. Songs like Lamborghini have traveled across borders, and I’ve seen people who don’t understand a word of Punjabi still sing along to the hook. It’s all about the vibe and the energy of the song. I remember how I used to sing along to French or Spanish songs without understanding them—it’s the same thing. Music is a universal language, and if it makes you feel something, that’s what matters.
Q18: You mentioned that you’re a fan of international artists like Adele. If you could collaborate with any artist, who would it be and why?
Ragini: Oh, Adele is definitely my dream collaboration! Her voice, her storytelling—everything about her is so powerful. But I also have a wishlist closer to home. I’d love to collaborate with Ali Sethi, Diljit Dosanjh, and Honey Singh. They have such unique styles, and I think combining our sounds could create something really special. These artists have shaped the music landscape in their own ways, and being able to work with them would be a dream come true.
Q19: You’ve had moments where you’ve had to stand your ground, like refusing to sing songs with lyrics you didn’t agree with. How do you stay true to your artistic principles, especially in a competitive industry?
Ragini: It’s not always easy, but I believe it’s important to stay true to who you are as an artist. I remember a time when I was performing at a wedding in Punjab, and someone asked me to sing a song that glorified violence. I had to politely decline, and it wasn’t taken very well. But I stood by my decision because it just didn’t align with my values. At the end of the day, it’s about making music that you believe in and that you can be proud of. And thankfully, my family and my team have always supported me in this.
Q20: Finally, what advice would you give to young artists who are just starting out in the music industry?
Ragini: My biggest piece of advice would be to hold your ground and keep going. Persistence is key in this industry, especially when it feels like no one is listening. It’s also important to stay consistent with your content, even when you don’t see immediate results. Focus on creating music that you love, not just what you think will trend. Numbers will come, but what matters most is staying true to your craft and making music that resonates with you.
